Welcome to the BEST... ahem...okay fine, welcome to the BEST and the ONLY authentic Chinese restaurant in the South Bay.
I've had at least half their menu at this point, and I can't stop going back. They make Shanghainese staples that translate into the gold standard of what Shanghainese cuisine. The Sheng Jian Bao, for example, is an incredibly difficult soup dumpling to make, and it's even more difficult to make well. Theirs can match anything I've had in San Gabriel and is comparable to Shanghai itself.
Their signature dishes are deceptively basic. Their bowl of Mini Pork Wontons sits in just a clear broth, but these little sachets are meaty pockets of pork packaged in what I can only describe as the most al dente wrapper in the world.
The XLB are a thicker, richer broth. They hold a lot of pork flavor and plenty of savor.
The Sesame Green Onion Pancake is their biggest standout. Their spin on a Chinese classic is crispy on the outside and soft and chewy within. Thicker than I usually see but so much better for it. Sesame seeds a green onion backdrop for a pancake so palatable you won't want for a dipping sauce.
Rarer still are the Lion's Head Meatballs. A treasure of the south, this ground pork is so juicy and tender it's practically pudding. The flavors are smooth with a sweeter finish, and the thick soup clings to the glass noodles in a cozy clay pot.
We always try one new dish to offset our staples, and Muodu's versatility is commendable. They make a solid General Tso's Chicken, for example, like your Christmas Day take-out with a little more finesse.
The Noodles with Scallion Oil are a seemingly neutral, savor-only dish that sneaks up on your palate. You think the first bite is bland, but the scallion and oil open a bouquet on the second and third, creating a finish that is oddly addicting.
They make an impressive selection of hearty noodle soups for sampling. The Spicy Pork Noodle Soup is full of great noodles and a hit of slightly numbing spice at the end.
The Braised Lamb Noodle Soup is almost a stew with roasted carrots perked up with green onion.
There isn't a single thing I've tried that I didn't like, and many things at Muodu I instantly love. You're missing out if you give Muodu a try, but don't dine here if you're in a hurry. All the food is made-to-order, and it takes time to steam those XLB. And be sure to arrive early for both dinner and weekend lunch. It seems much of the South Bay has caught on to this hidden gem, and it didn't stay hidden for long!
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